Book Introduction by Margaret Morrell
What exactly happened at Turnberry Aerodrome? This was the question I asked some years ago and found no answer, which prompted me to begin the research which led to this book. It was a question that had been asked many times by locals and visitors alike, but no one seemed to know very much: apart from the odd snippet of information or occasional rumour. It appears all memories of the airfield had been lost. Physically, all that is left today are a few derelict buildings and lonely strips of concrete nestling amongst the fairways of the famous Turnberry golf course, but Turnberry’s legacy, I have found, is much more important than this scant evidence would suggest.
Most books on aviation history fail to recognise the importance of Turnberry and the major role it played during both world wars. This is probably because it was never an operational airfield, but rather a training ground, making it a less glamorous subject for historical research. Turnberry’s units played a vital role in training thousands of desperately needed aircrew to fly and fight during both world wars.
Loyal to Britain, they came from the many countries of the Commonwealth and other allied nations, experiencing enormous hardship and in many cases losing their lives before ever seeing active service. The memorial to some of those who died at Turnberry is situated on the Ailsa Golf Course and bears a long list of casualties, most of whom were little more than boys when they died. Of the many thousands of trainees who came to Turnberry, very few returned. Some fortunate men came back to claim their brides, or sadly arrived on a pilgrimage to visit the graves of their pals who were left behind. But many airmen who found love and happiness at Turnberry perished in the sea or came to rest in an unknown grave. Others lie in the cemeteries at Dunure and Girvan.
I have been deeply honoured by the gift of friendship of many ex-aircrew, and these friendships have yielded a host of stories of the aerodrome and its personnel – some amusing, some heroic, some tragic – and some, it must be said, I dare not publish! The personal memories entrusted to me have, where possible, been written as told, and if some inaccuracies occur allowance must be made for the Passage of time. I hope that the recollections gathered here will provide a glimpse into Turnberry’s years of operation, particularly during the Second World War.
In addition to the personal narratives, I have searched through official documents and archives, dusted off many old photographs and logbooks, and been able to put names to some long-missed faces. In a couple of cases emotional reunions have ensued. I write this book as a tribute to those who died whilst at Turnberry, during both world wars. This information has been gathered from many sources including Operations Record Books, Official Crash Cards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and the memories of survivors. In many cases records are incomplete, or facts from official sources contradict each other, and whilst I have attempted to document all those who lost their lives at Turnberry, I must apologise for any omissions or errors.
It must be said that this is not a technical volume – details of the organization of the Royal Air Force, aircraft, and the progress of the wars, can be found elsewhere.
This is a book about the people and the place, the men, and women of Turnberry Airfield.
This is their story.